Mask-Programmed Read-Only Memory with Reserved Space
The present invention discloses a mask-ROM with reserved space (mask-ROM RS ). On its original data-mask, at least one mask-region is reserved for the new contents and contains no patterns. The present invention further discloses a 3-D mask-ROM with reserved memory level(s) (3D-MPROM RL ). At least one memory level is reserved for the new contents and not manufactured in the original 3D-MPROM RL . By avoiding mask replacement, the present invention minimizes extra mask cost due to content revision.
1 . A mask-programmed read-only memory (mask-ROM), comprising:
a plurality of mask-ROM cells storing at least two versions of a content, including an out-of-date version and an up-to-date version;
whereby said up-to-date version is read out instead of said out-of-date version.
2 . The mask-ROM according to claim 1 , wherein said mask-ROM further stores a single version of permanent contents.
3 . The mask-ROM according to claim 1 , further comprising a pointer to the memory address of said up-to-date version of said content.
4 . The mask-ROM according to claim 1 , wherein said mask-ROM stores at least a multimedia content or a computer program.
5 . The mask-ROM according to claim 1 , wherein said mask-ROM stores at least a movie, a TV program, or a video game.
6 . The mask-ROM according to claim 1 , wherein said mask-ROM is a three-dimensional mask-ROM (3D-MPROM).
7 . The mask-ROM according to claim 6 , wherein the memory level of said 3D-MPROM storing up-to-date contents is stacked above the memory level of said 3D-MPROM storing no up-to-date contents.
8 . A mask-programmed read-only memory (mask-ROM), comprising:
an original data space; and
a reserved space, wherein said reserved space comprises all empty blocks of said mask-ROM and has a total size larger than 30 MB.
9 . The mask-ROM according to claim 8 , wherein of said reserved space has a total size large than 100 MB.
10 . The mask-ROM according to claim 8 , wherein said reserved space is large enough to store at least one standalone content.
11 . The mask-ROM according to claim 10 , wherein said standalone content is a multimedia content or a computer program.
12 . The mask-ROM according to claim 10 , wherein said standalone content is a movie, a TV program or a video game.
13 . The mask-ROM according to claim 8 , wherein said mask-ROM is a three-dimensional mask-ROM (3D-MPROM).
14 . The mask-ROM according to claim 13 , wherein the memory level of said 3D-MPROM storing at least one empty block is stacked above the mask-ROM level of said 3D-MPROM storing no empty block.
15 . A three-dimensional mask-programmed read-only memory (3D-MPROM), comprising:
a semiconductor substrate comprising a first peripheral circuit for a first memory array and a second peripheral circuit for a second memory array;
a first memory level stacked above said semiconductor substrate and coupled with said first peripheral circuit, said first memory level comprising said first memory array;
wherein said second peripheral circuit is not coupled with any memory array.
16 . The 3D-MPROM according to claim 15 , wherein said second peripheral circuit is formed on the outside of said first peripheral circuit with respect to said first memory array.
17 . The 3D-MPROM according to claim 15 , wherein said 3D-MPROM can be read by a data-reading device.
18 . The 3D-MPROM according to claim 15 , wherein said 3D-MPROM stores at least a multimedia content or a computer program.
19 . The 3D-MPROM according to claim 15 , wherein said 3D-MPROM stores at least a movie, a TV program, or a video game.
20 . The 3D-MPROM according to claim 15 , wherein a second memory level comprising said second memory array can be formed above said first memory level and coupled with said second peripheral circuit in the updated 3D-MPROM.